New Delhi:
Chinese manja (glass-coated kite string) continues to pose a serious challenge for the Delhi Police, despite an official ban on its sale and use. Recent raids conducted by the People For Animals (PFA) have revealed that Chinese manja is still being sold openly in several parts of the capital.
According to PFA officials, this illegal trade persists due to the alleged collusion of local police personnel and the negligence of station heads. On Thursday, a major raid in the Nand Nagri area of Northeast Delhi exposed the depth of the issue. PFA claimed that after a large consignment of Chinese manja was seized, the local Station House Officer (SHO) Anand Yadav and the investigating officer allegedly tried to downplay the quantity of the seizure. When PFA officials refused to comply, a heated confrontation ensued.
Gaurav Gupta, a senior PFA officer, recorded the incident on video and shared it on social media, causing a stir within the police department. Gupta stated that he has also sent the video to the Delhi Police Commissioner and demanded strict action, while praising the Commissioner for his proactive stance against such illegal activities.
Many people have lost their lives because of Chinese manja, and countless birds and animals have also died. Despite this, some individuals continue to sell Chinese manja for the greed of money, putting lives at risk.
Initiating action against the dealers of the prohibited Chinese manja, the Crime Branch officials of Delhi Police have recovered 1,170 rolls in two separate raids. Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Vikram Singh stated, “This action has been taken keeping in mind the forthcoming Independence Day and Rakshabandhan celebrations and to ensure that there is no loss of life because of Chinese manja.” These two celebrations are marked by widespread kite flying in the national capital.
Over the past few months, PFA has filed nearly a dozen cases against Chinese manja traders and has assisted Delhi Police’s Crime Branch in seizing multiple large consignments. However, the question remains: if PFA can conduct successful raids, why is the local police failing to curb the trade?
Observers allege that this indicates a nexus between lower-level police personnel and traders involved in the illegal sale of Chinese manja, while the attitude of certain senior officers appears indifferent.
“Watch this shocking video: A constable from the same police station joined PFA in the crackdown on Chinese manjha, while the beat officer from that very station tried to prevent a complete complaint from being registered and allegedly blackmailed the complainant. The disturbing truth is all captured in this footage.”
